English 
Sr. Carmela Corti was 98 years old when she returned to the house of the Father on 12 September 2025. A missionary life spent among the people of Bangladesh since 1953. It was she, together with Sr. Germana Barbé and Sr. Annunziata Dragoni, who opened the way for the mission in Bengali land. Sr. Silvia remembers Sr. Carmela with gratitude, for her a model to follow, a missionary way of life.
“Keep your spirits up, come on!”
This is one of the expressions used by Sr. Carmela when she met a sister or someone who was feeling a little melancholic. And it was certainly her way of life: cheerful, even a little ironic, she never stopped in the face of sadness or difficulties but always threw her heart over the obstacle, higher, towards God.
One can imagine that she did the same when she first arrived in Bangladesh, then Pakistan, and began our mission with her companions. She must have done the same when she was asked to be the first leader of the Delegation and again during the years of war.
Sr. Carmela, as she is remembered here, was always a joyful person, able to use her authority without ever raising her voice. A skilled and knowledgeable nurse, she helped many, especially the poor. Over the years, she was able to adapt to the needs of the mission and do what was necessary at the time. She always stood out for her strength of character, which allowed her to convey serenity and confidence.
For me, who arrived long after her, Sr. Carmela is somewhat of an example: cheerful, capable, attentive and, above all, focused on the mission. Keeping her ways in mind is like following a life plan.
Over time, Sr. Carmela became a true pillar of Bangladesh, like Sr. Germana and Sr. Annunciata, pillars without whom this province could not stand.
Now that she too has passed into the kingdom of saints, it is up to us, here in Bangladesh, to show that we have understood their way of understanding the mission, their being with the people, their passion and dedication to the poor. It is up to us to take up their legacy and carry on the mission, reviving it with joy, passion and service.
This is what Sr. Carmela taught us, and this is what we will try to do, certain that she will never stop praying for us, for her Bangladesh and for her poor.
Sr. Silvia Leoni
and all the sisters of Bangladesh
